KOTA KINABALU: The Education Ministry has allocated RM63 million for flood-affected schools in Sabah.

State education director Datuk Raisin Saidin said that the funds would ensure the smooth reopening of schools on the first day of the new term, on Feb 17.

"I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the ministry for providing the necessary funds to clean up schools affected by the floods and replace damaged furniture, such as desks.

"We have received some RM63 million for flood clean-up efforts across all affected schools, including those that may face future flooding.

The Sabah Education Department is committed to ensuring that these schools can operate smoothly when the school term begins on Feb 17," said Raisin who was quoted in a statement by the Sabah Information Department.

He also added that more than 50 schools in Sabah had been affected by the recent floods.

"According to the data we have gathered since the floods struck Sabah, 57 schools have been impacted. As of yesterday, 14 schools in the Beaufort district remain flooded. Efforts to clean the schools where floodwaters have receded are currently in full swing," he said.